The launch of the Christmas Foodbank Appeal

Shoppers in Lichfield are being urged to make a donation to support local foodbanks.

The launch of the Christmas Foodbank Appeal
The launch of the Christmas Foodbank Appeal

Central England Co-operative has launched its Christmas Foodbank Appeal, which last year saw more than 60,000 items handed in during a five-week campaign.

The company hopes to see that figure increase to more than 70,000 this time around.

Alongside items such as tea, tinned fruit and toiletries, foodbanks have this year asked for people to help spread a little festive cheer by dropping off a Christmas treat such as chocolate or a small gift into collection points at the firm’s Boley Park supermarket.

Martyn Cheatle, Central England Co-operative’s chief executive, said: “We are proud of our strong links with our foodbank partners – links that have allowed us to collect over 200,000 items so far this year.

“We want to ensure this Christmas that we continue this great work and work with our customers and members to be able to provide emergency food and support to individuals and families in crisis.

“Our Christmas Food Bank Appeal will help create and provide meals for people across the area in need, thanks to the everyday items donated.

“This year we are also issuing a plea on behalf of food banks to help spread a little festive cheer by donating a nice treat or gift into our special collection points.

“All we are asking is that people drop off one or more items into our food banks this Christmas and help make a real difference in their community.”

The Christmas appeal will run from 26th November to 24th December. The items will then be collected and made into food parcels which will provide at least three days’ worth of meals for those in need.

David Clark, from Lichfield Foodbank, said: “We very much appreciate the support that Central England Co-op customers give to others in the community through their week-in and week-out food donations. We hope that they will support this appeal and help us to help more people in need.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.